Anderson set to return as coach as team begins affiliation with Blues
By Wolves standards, winning only two playoff games in the last two seasons is a monumental disappointment.
So in an effort to return to prominence, the franchise is going to bring back John Anderson as its coach, a team source told the Sun- Times. The Wolves are expected to make an official announcement Tuesday.
The Wolves’ two-year affiliate agreement with the Vancouver Canucks ended after the season. At that time, the Canucks took all their coaches and prospects with them.
The Wolves moved on by sign- ing a three-year agreement with the St. Louis Blues.
The agreement with the Canucks allowed the parent team to exert influence in all personnel and coaching decisions. That came at the expense of winning when the Canucks often insisted their prospects get the majority of ice time, even when they were playing poorly.
The hire of Anderson indicates the Wolves likely have more leeway with the Blues.
However, Anderson has proved to have the ability to meet the demands of an affiliate that wants to develop its prospects and a Wolves ownership group that holds winning at a premium.
Anderson coached the Wolves while they were affiliated with the Atlanta Thrashers. The Thrashers thought enough of Anderson to hire him as their coach after he won the Calder Cup in 2008.
Anderson previously won four championships in 10 playoff appearances over 11 seasons as coach of the Wolves. Anderson spent the last two seasons as an assistant with the Phoenix Coyotes.